I had a rough morning. My friend was in NY for the weekend and with her ambitious schedule that I was apart of, I was beginning to suffer from sleep deprivation. I was rushing home to make a quick change and out for work and found myself utterly exhausted. My mood that morning on my journey from her hotel to my apartment was so bad that I forgot it was election day. I exited the train at 110th St/Frederick Douglas and witnessed people in lines stretching around the block spilling from two different buildings. I immediately remembered what an important day it was and all the bad morning feelings were removed and replaced with an indescribable since of pride and joy. To say the least, I was overwhelmed with emotion as I passed by the line and looked into the eyes of everyone patiently waiting. In their eyes I saw so much hope and passion. Each person seemed to have a determination that their vote would be the one that made the difference and though I voted the prior week by absentee ballot, through them I shared in the same belief. There were Blacks and Whites, Spanish and Asian, Young and Old, people from all economic demographics; it was such a unique harmony. I thought to myself "This is the America Dr. King Dreamed of." A Dream so big it would take years to fulfill.

I got home from work and immediately turned on the television. I was anxious to hear the commentary and feedback from the experts that throughout the election campaign, I had grown to enjoy. I was confident Barrack would win but needed to hear the confirmation for it to be "real." My roommate and I received the news via a phone call, a minor delay from the DVR prohibited us from hearing the exact broadcast. I turned up the television and heard the words for myself "Barrack Obama is President Elect." We screamed and clapped. Outside you could hear the roaring sounds of horns and shouts. People were chanting and screaming at the top of their lungs 'Yes We Did!"

I suddenly realized that this moment was so much bigger than Barrack the person. It represented the progress of our country and gives us hope that the future will bring change, forgiveness, and healing. This election fulfills the Dreams of Dr. King where a man is" judged not by the color of his skin but the content of his character."
All of a sudden a huge weight was lifted from my shoulders and I now felt free at last!